I LOVE reading Blogs... I really do...

So why in the world is it so hard to keep up my own? I am going to commit to blogging as a positive journal experience. I am going to commit to posting creativity. I am going to commit to taking more pictures of people, not just food. I am going to commit to write the scripture of the day. I am not afraid of commitment. So, I hope you will "see" me around here more often, and thank you for your patience.

Has Facebook replaced Blogging?

New Hair

New Hobby: Running! But then I was down with the flu and haven't ran in a week. The best part is my man is a runner already and he is my motivation. Thankful for a sweet marriage! Thankful for God's plan in marriage, Gen 2:24.

New Pains: Okay, after a few months of running I thought I'd give the torture chamber a chance (Oh, did I say that out loud) I mean the GRAVITY class at our post gym. OUCH!

New in the Kitchen: Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day. Yum, easy, better with time.

Not so New: Still crushing on a Vespa. My husband even took me to the local Harley Davidson shop to test drive one. Tip, it really isn't cool for a guy to test drive a Vespa at a Harley shop, so wow, thank you to my man for that afternoon! One day, hopefully when we are stationed in Italy I will be traveling to the bakery to pick up our baguettes on this sweet scooter.

I have struggled with this in my life. Busy-ness, blogging, facebook, creativity, Bible study, face-to-face socializing. Who else has this battle. I know I love to read blogs, so I am sure others do as well. I am an Army Wife now and my life is so busy. The connections with others are so abundant, and for that I am thankful, yet it all takes time. I still want to "journal" here... so today I am updating basic pictures from the past few months (really for my own good, to get me back on track).

I have an issue...

This is really a confession. You see I have an issue. Food. Creating. Good. Food.

Mostly fatty and rich foods. To bring JOY. What?!? JOY?

Twisted. I know. So I am in a battle to let this go. For the JOY I desire should not come from foods, sugar and fat. This JOY should come from the SWEETNESS only CHRIST JESUS can deliver. Yet I seek out that validation when I deliver such delights and gain the JOY and glory from others enjoying these creations.

Nehemiah 8:10

Nehemiah said,

“Go and enjoy

choice food and sweet drinks,

and send some to those

who have nothing prepared.

This day is holy to our Lord.

Do not grieve,

for the joy of the

LORD

is your strength.”

So I "enjoy choice food and sweet drinks" and I love to share these creations, yet the JOY I receive is from the sharing and creating this is what I desire. I should be in desire for the JOY of the LORD for HE is my strength.

I am torn. It is Christmas season. I LOVE baking. I went to culinary school for goodness sake! Yet, I am being called out. Called to a bigger JOY. A higher SWEETNESS. So although my family will not go without culinary delights, I will moderate this year. Christ will be my JOY. Christ will be the SWEET celebration of this season.

Advent Celebrations

The origins of the Advent calendar come from German Lutherans who, at least as early as the beginning of the 19th century, would count down the 24 days of Advent physically.

This Hunfeld, Germany City Hall building is turned into an Advent Calendar.

These are the traditional Advent Calendars that are filled with fine German Chocolates that I grew up with...well, there were four children in our family, so we took turns opening the doors. I have three children and every year we purchase a calendar from our Military Commissary for each of our children (the Commissary is like a grocery store, and because we have such a diverse community in the Army they provide many favorites from worldwide locations.)

Tonight I am working on cutting out this Advent Calendar with my Cricut.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1clkv6XVm4&feature=player_embedded

Smores Cupcakes

I made a tutorial a while ago with this wonderful creation:

SMORES CUPCAKES

Start by mixing a graham cracker crumb crust

(the typical butter graham crumbs and a bit of sugar).

After it is pressed into your lined muffing tins tip with your favorite chocolate cake recipe.

Bake as you would a cupcake, and top with large marshmallows.

Place under broiler until toasty and golden brown.

Swirl a large amount of Chocolate Buttercream around the toasted marshmallow.

Enjoy!

Side view and with a bit removed. (Thanks to one of my teens!)